Governments and major European companies are accelerating efforts to reduce their dependence on the United States, especially in strategic areas such as technology, energy, payments, and defense. The deterioration of transatlantic relations, in the context of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, has given new impetus to the idea of Europe’s „strategic independence,” as shown in an analysis published by Politico.
For decades, the European Union has relied on security guarantees provided by NATO and American technology for its economy to function. However, Trump’s threats regarding the acquisition of Greenland, as well as aggressive comments towards Europe from some members of his administration, have radically changed the tone of the debate in Brussels and European capitals.
"If we want to be taken seriously again, we will have to learn the language of power politics," said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last week.
From bans on the use of American digital platforms in public administration, to new trade agreements with countries outside the transatlantic space and efforts to diversify energy suppliers, initiatives to reduce dependence on the US are multiplying. EU leaders warn that relations with Washington will not soon return to the pre-Trump status quo.
Reducing risks, not total decoupling
European officials insist that it is not about a complete "decoupling" from the United States, but rather a strategy of risk reduction, aimed at reducing Europe's vulnerabilities. Until recently, this concept was almost exclusively used in connection with China. Now, it is being applied to the relationship with the US, the EU's main trading partner and its main security guarantor.
The process is just beginning. The United States remains by far Europe's largest trading partner, and giving up American technology and military support will take years, warns Jean-Luc Demarty, former head of the European Commission's trade department.
"In trade terms, they represent a significant part of our exports. It's a lot, but it's not a matter of life and death," Demarty explained.
At the same time, Brussels has accelerated trade negotiations with other regions: it has concluded agreements with the Mercosur bloc, India, and Indonesia, revised the agreement with Mexico, and resumed stalled discussions with Australia.
European Defense: Beyond NATO
For its security, Europe has relied for over seven decades on NATO, an alliance largely funded by the United States. However, at a recent meeting of conservative European leaders in Zagreb, the idea of strengthening the EU's mutual defense clause, provided for in Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the Union, was revived.
Although the clause has been in place since 2009, it was long considered redundant, as long as NATO's Article 5 offered similar guarantees. Doubts about the US's willingness to defend Europe have changed this perception.
"For decades, some countries were saying: 'We have NATO, why would we need parallel structures?'" said a senior European diplomat. After Trump's threats regarding Greenland, "we are faced with a clear need: we must create military command structures within the EU."
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently warned that the idea of European defense without the US is illusory, stating that those who believe this should "keep dreaming."
Technology: Breaking Dependence on American Platforms
The change in attitude is most visible in the field of technology. Europe's dependence on American giants like Google, Meta, or X has long been criticized, and public support for EU digital legislation reflects this dissatisfaction.
The French government is preparing to ban the use of American video conferencing platforms in public administration, intending to replace them with European solutions. "It is very clear that Europe is experiencing its moment of independence. In the past year, everyone has realized how important it is not to depend on a single country or company for critical technologies," said European Commissioner for Technology Henna Virkkunen.
Similar initiatives are being discussed in Germany, the Netherlands, and the European Parliament, where MEPs are calling for the abandonment of American software and equipment for the institution's activities.
Energy and Finance: Diversification and Sovereignty
In the energy sector, the US already supplies over a quarter of the gas consumed in the EU, a share that could increase with the complete elimination of Russian imports. However, European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen warns of the risk of "replacing one dependency with another," emphasizing that Trump's claims on Greenland were "a clear alarm signal."
Payment systems are also being carefully examined. The digital euro, designed by the European Central Bank for launch in 2029, is presented as a tool to reduce dependence on Visa and Mastercard. "With the digital euro, Europeans will remain in control of their money, their choices, and their future," said ECB President Christine Lagarde.
Military Investments and European Procurements
A European program of 150 billion euros for defense investments stipulates that a maximum of 35% of the purchased components can come from outside the EU and partner states. The United States is not included in this category.
More and more governments support the introduction of "Buy European" clauses (prioritizing European companies and products) for public spending, an idea that until recently seemed inconceivable even for traditionally pro-American states.
The title of the roadmap adopted by the European People's Party for 2026 summarizes the direction: "It's time for independence."